If They Bought A Disk of Photos, Give Them What They Paid For!

My parents are the photographers of Capturing-A-Memory, LLC Photography.  I am their daughter, and production assistant, Lizzy.  I really have something I feel I need to get off my chest about photos on disks...

Some photographers don't believe in giving or selling a disk of pictures of a wedding or other event.  Well, that is a personal choice for each business.  At Capturing-A-Memory, we do offer a disk, and I have noticed something about others that do as well.  As in many business practices, some people are "sneeky" in what they offer!  Here are 3 things to watch out for if you are offered a disk, or purchase a disk!

1 - You should get your disk with high resolution pictures!
     Why should you pay for a disk that has only small pictures on it?  What would you do with that?  If you buy the disk you should be able to print large pictures to hang in your house or give as gifts.

2 - You should get your disk right away!
     At the last bridal show we were at someone told us about a friend who's photographer made her wait one year to get her disk.  It was so the photographer could make more money selling prints for the year until he gave them their disk! 

3 - You should have print release!
     Make sure the photographer gives you a print release to print the pictures.  If you don't you will have a hard time getting them printed or will have to answer lots of questions and fill out forms.  This wastes time!

So, I hope you can see that if you do buy or get a disk of pictures from your photographer they should give you a print release for a high-resolution disk, and you should get it right away!

Tammy and Her Horses!

Through one of our brides, we met Tammy... who lives in the next city over... who lives on a huge property... who has horses!  When she found out that we photograph more than just weddings, she asked if we would be interested in photographing her and her horses!  Of course we said yes!  What a great lady!  What should have been an hour photo shoot turned into a 5 hour visit!  We love getting to know our clients!  Making people relaxed and building a relationship with them definately shows through in the photos... as you can see!  Thanks Tammy!  We plan to visit you again REAL SOON!

Amanda and Tory's Wedding

Amanda and Tory have been together for seven years, and finally tied the knot!!!  We first met this fun couple at Jill and Adam's Wedding, where Amanda was a bridesmaid (and Jill's cousin)... I guess we made a good impression!  Though a little rocky stomach at times, overall the bride made it through the night and got to enjoy her friends and family sharing their special day!  Thanks guys for letting us share the day with you!

Hoboken, New Jersey

We had a wonderful opportunity to travel to Hobeoken, New Jersey for an engagement shoot on the weekend of May 7 and 8.  What a quaint town!  Home of Carlo's Bakery!  (The bakery from the TLC show Cake Boss) 

Matthew and Michelle were as pleasant as always and we had a great time getting a second round of engagement shots with them!  With New York City as the backdrop, it is a beautiful place!  The weather was pleasant and the puffy clouds seated against the blue sky, made for some wonderful shots!  We definately plan on visiting again!

Daffodil Fields!

WOW - what an AMAZING weekend for photo shoots at the Daffodil Fields in Northfield, CT.  With 14 shoots, we took hundreds of photos!  We were pleased to have new clients, present clients, and past clients!  Seeing all of these people and being able to work with them made the weekend of work a BLAST!  Great to catch up with past clients and getting to know our newer clients is priceless!  We really do have the best clients!  Let me tell you, they know how to rock a photo shoot!  Thanks everyone for making this a memorable weekend!!!

As for our "hidden jewel" Daffodil Field, I think it is not so hidden any more!  We have never seen SO many people there!!!  Come to find out, a story about the field was on a couple of news channels... all we can hope for is that people continue to use the field respectfully!  To the owners, thank you for your kindness and generosity in sharing this wonderful place!

Drew and Jon's Wedding!

What a rainy, foggy, WONDERFUL DAY!  Drew and Jon tied the knot at the Covenant Church in Thomaston, CT and had their reception at Fairview Farms in Harwinton, CT.  The date was special because it held deep meaning in being both her grandmother's birthday and date of her death.

The bride and groom debating for several hours as to whether he would wear his uniform for the service, and last she knew he was wearing the tux.  For her, and only her, he did decide to wear his uniform for the service!  Such a loving, wonderful surprise!!!  He did change into his tux for the reception and party!

The day started rainy and cool... we were all hoping the rain would stop.  About 3 the rain rolled out, but the fog rolled in.  By the time we reached the reception venue, you could barely see 10 feet in front of you!  We didn't let that dampen our spirits, and it certainly didn't dampen any of the guests! 

The reception was one of the liveliest we have ever seen!  A grand party celebrating the love of Drew and Jon!  (We had never seen the single guys stretching and flexing as they prepared for the garter throw!)  (Oh, and have never seen so many "falls" on the dance floor!  It was crowded and full of action!)  As they head off to their honeymoon, we would like to give them a quick look at a few shots from the day!  Fair winds and following seas for a glorious, sunny, restful, and fun cruise!!!

Outdoor/Nature Sessions - What to Wear!

Going on an outdoor/nature photo session?  There are many things to consider when choosing what to wear, but the main goal is to pick what looks good on you and consider what will make you look the best in your photos. 

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WHAT TO DO:

Casual seems to work best for outdoors.  Jeans are always a great choice with a simple top.  Keep it simple, classic, and clean.  White button down shirts always work.  If you are choosing a color, neutral and earth tones work, like browns, grays, greens, and blues.  All of these colors go great with jeans whether you choose lighter or darker jeans.  Khaki and other neutral colors work for pants as well.  Simple patterns are acceptable, such as pinstripes and smaller patterns.  If there is more than one person in the picture, make sure you coordinate.  This does not mean you have to match, but usually staying in the same color family works!

As far as shoes, pay attention to where you are going for the shoot.  Close-toed shoes are recommended for places with trails, rocks, etc.  If there are large grassy areas, or sandy beaches, flip-flops work!  Darker shoes tend not to draw attention to the feet.

Layering is a good idea!  For multiple looks during a session, there is no easier way!  Tailored jackes, light sweaters, and double-layered tops work!  Just remember these too should coordinate, and not clash with others in the picture, or contain patterns that would be distracting.

Simple accessories work best.  The attention should be on you and your face!

If you are taking pictures with hands involved (most engagement sessions), take the time to get a manicure or clean up your nails and nailpolish.

Pay attention to your body type!  Wear things that are flattering.  Shirts and pants that are too tight tend to bulge.  Remember, there will be several different opportunities to shoot a variety of ways; standing, laying, sitting, etc.  You don't want to look uncomfortable!

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WHAT NOT TO DO:

Bold, bright colors and patterns tend to be distracting!

Too many accessories draw attention from you!

Heavy make-up and new hairstyles should be avoided!

Don't wear anything too tight!

Hide your tan lines!

Avoid clothing with large logos!

Use products you normally use!  Right before a shoot is not the time to try out new

make-ups or lotions... breakouts or reactions could be a concern!

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So, there you have it, our advice for what to wear when you are having an outdoor/nature photo session done!  HAVE FUN!  None of these suggestions are set in stone, they are simply a guide to help you look your best in pictures... the photos are about you, not what you are wearing, so the focus should be on your face, not your clothing and accessories!